But as he prepares for a 12th consecutive appearance at the ATP World Tour Finals, he says he is "physically fine" and "mentally at peace" and is confident he can return to the Grand Slam winners' circle next year.

"The French Open is always going to be hard as long as Rafa Nadal is around," says the 32-year-old Swiss. "But on the other surfaces, if I am playing well, it's more in my racquet than in anybody else's racquet."

As you can see, with the exception of Del Potro, no ATP player born after Andy Murray has a career high over 3000 points.

Good to great young players used to come along regularly, but for some reason they’ve stopped coming. A whole generation of players – who I call The Lost Boys – has failed to make any significant impression on the big titles.

Enjoy the World Tour Finals, and the continued excellence of the Big Four while you still have them. But know this – the #ATPDarkAge is coming.

• Viktor Troicki's ban for skipping a blood test in April was reduced to 12 months from 18 months. The 27-year-old wasn't satisfied with the the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling, which ''puts an end to my dreams of being a top player."

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